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In a historic performance during the first Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Afghanistan’s captain Hashmatullah Shahidi achieved a remarkable milestone by scoring his second double century, contributing significantly to his team’s fightback. This achievement comes on the heels of teammate Rahmat Shah, who earlier struck his maiden Test double hundred, leading to an unprecedented partnership between the two.
A record-breaking partnership between Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi
Rahmat and Shahidi formed a record 364-run stand, which is now the highest partnership for any wicket in Afghanistan’s Test history. Their efforts helped Afghanistan recover from a challenging position after Zimbabwe posted a formidable total of 586 runs in their first innings.
By the end of lunch on Day 5, Afghanistan were 656 for 4, with Shahidi remaining unbeaten on 236 and Shahidullah Kamal on 10.
Shahidi’s knock not only set a new Afghan record for individual scores in Test cricket but also surpassed Rahmat’s previous record of 234, achieved against Zimbabwe on the fourth day of the ongoing Test. He has so far smashed 20 fours during his stay in the middle, showcasing his dominance at the crease.
With his double century, Shahidi also became the first Afghan player to score two double hundreds in Test cricket, further solidifying his status as one of the key figures in Afghanistan’s batting lineup.
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Match Context
The match has turned into a run-fest, with both teams showcasing their batting prowess. Zimbabwe, who won the toss and elected to bat first, built posted a massive total in their first innings; thanks to centuries from Sean Williams (154), Craig Ervine (104) and Brian Bennett (110 not out).
However, the Zimbabwean side struggled to contain the Afghan batters, who capitalized on wayward bowling and poor fielding from the hosts.
Day 5, Lunch
Afghanistan: 656/4, lead by 70 runs
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi: 236*#cricket #ZIMvAFG #HashmatullahShahidi pic.twitter.com/wrlLyIdpHg
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 30, 2024
